When faced with the realities of food production and distribution in America, many are concerned about what can be done to stop the dangerous practices of food production companies. Wendell Berry's response? "Eat responsibly."
Berry lists several questions "responsible" eaters should consider when wandering the aisles of the grocery store including:
1. How far was it transported, and what did transportation add to the cost?
2. How much did manufacturing or packaging or advertising add to the cost?
3. When the food product has been manufactured or "processed" or "precooked," how has that affected its quality or price or nutritional value?
But our decisions should not be based solely on the fact that our food was produced on a farm. It is important to know where, what kind of farm it is and have a general idea of the farming practices on the farm.
Berry reflects on the idea that the average consumer is literally spoon fed their meals. "The food industrialists have by now persuaded millions of consumers to prefer food that is already prepared. They will grow, deliver, and cook your food for you and (just like your mother) beg you to eat it."
Since we as consumers are so accustomed to convenience rather than quality, the chances of improvement seem bleak. However, Berry suggests several practical solutions these problems.
Berry lists several questions "responsible" eaters should consider when wandering the aisles of the grocery store including:
1. How far was it transported, and what did transportation add to the cost?
2. How much did manufacturing or packaging or advertising add to the cost?
3. When the food product has been manufactured or "processed" or "precooked," how has that affected its quality or price or nutritional value?
But our decisions should not be based solely on the fact that our food was produced on a farm. It is important to know where, what kind of farm it is and have a general idea of the farming practices on the farm.
Berry reflects on the idea that the average consumer is literally spoon fed their meals. "The food industrialists have by now persuaded millions of consumers to prefer food that is already prepared. They will grow, deliver, and cook your food for you and (just like your mother) beg you to eat it."
Since we as consumers are so accustomed to convenience rather than quality, the chances of improvement seem bleak. However, Berry suggests several practical solutions these problems.
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